Top 5 Games of the Current Console Generation (So Far)

This generation may not have started out strong, but it has definitely picked up in the last couple of years. There are many games already released that have the potential to define this generation. But what are these games? What games are currently the best of the best on the current generation of consoles?

1. The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 set a new precedent for what a role playing game could and should be. The aesthetic of the world is beautifully crafted, and lends to creating an overall sense of immersion not present in many games currently in the genre. The Witcher universe is packed with interesting stories and scenarios, and the game does a great job of weaving narratives that present complex characters and scenarios.

In Witcher 3 you play as Geralt, a professional monster hunter. He takes contracts for hunting monsters from both unknown civilians and known characters, but also is on a quest of his own. The combat mechanics and progression system are very interesting and rewarding, and as a player you never feel that your time is wasted throughout the many hours of questing.

The story and adventures of Geralt take place on a grand scale, and should not be missed by anyone who loves a good RPG.

2. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V is an amazing game that showcases the talent of Hideo Kojima and Kojima Studios. MGSV at its core is an action stealth game that takes place in various open world locales. The game has you take control of Big Boss or Venom Snake, as you complete various missions and objectives to facilitate building and maintaining your base -- known as Mother Base.

The story, though somewhat convoluted at times, is outstanding and picks up directly where some of the previous Metal Gear Solid games left off. The gameplay loop of extracting soldiers for your mother base is addicting and rewarding, and the fact that gameplay is the core narrative element instead of cut scenes and exposition is a welcomed change for the series.

Metal Gear Solid V is an excellent addition to the stealth action genre, and provides many hours of rewarding gameplay and engaging stories.

3. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Uncharted 4 is a perfect example of a franchise that continuously improves with each game iteration. The core characters and gameplay elements have not changed much over time and that has actually benefited the franchise overall.

Fundamentally, Uncharted 4 is a third person action adventure game. The strong narrative structure and charismatic characters, series protagonist, Nathan Drake and company meet throughout the game, blended with fun gameplay mechanics, is what makes Uncharted 4 stand out from its peers. The platforming and climbing sections are also very entertaining and enjoyable.

Another element the Uncharted franchise has honed over time is the transitions from gameplay to cinematics. The transitions are flawless and show just how far the series has developed over time. The visuals in this game are also stunning, the beautiful picturesque vistas seen the game are the best this generation has to offer.

You would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping one of this generation’s best games overall.

4. Undertale

Undertale is an amazing game and piece of art. Although Undertale isn't actually on the current console generation, it's on PC, it shows that you do not need a AAA budget to craft something both unique and influential.

Undertale takes the JRPG genre and classic feel of 90s role playing games and adds unique elements and twists to create a modern day classic. The story in Undertale is superb, and the characters presented are interesting and charismatic. Undertale draws inspiration from the Mother series, and adds unique and clever spins to its combat system and narrative to create a fantastic blend of turn based combat with great storytelling. The music in Undertale is also fantastic, the midi soundtrack and great character themes are a joy to listen to and create an atmosphere thats unrivaled by most JRPG’s today.

Undertale is not a game that should be missed by anyone, especially fans of the JRPG genre.

5. Overwatch

Overwatch may be one of the best hero shooters to be released in the past few years. The characters, and fluidity in gameplay is what makes Overwatch stand out from other similar games in the genre. Every character in Overwatch feels unique and each one is a joy to use. All of the characters have unique and interesting skill sets that provide a layer of strategy, and sense of accomplishment once you have figured out all of their various intricacies.

One of the core elements that makes Overwatch's gameplay so rewarding is the fact that it actually caters to all types of skill levels. The fact that Overwatch doesn’t show your KD ratio makes it a game for people who play both casually and competitively.

Overwatch has provided me with many hours of enjoyable gameplay and is definitely a defining game of this current console generation.

There are already plenty of amazing games that have been released. Whether you play games casually or professionally, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. This generation is far from being over, and with iterative console upgrades in the near future, the improved technical capabilities will allow for even more great games to be released.